The region’s Statehouse delegation, in particular, is in dire need of candidates who look more like the districts they represent. Aside from Sen. Sue Glick, R-LaGrange, Rep. Rebecca Kubacki, R-Syracuse, and Rep. Kathy Heuer, R-Columbia City, the northeast delegation is entirely white and male. The effect is an emphasis on economic development to the exclusion of countless other issues, including poverty and children. * * *

With a more diverse legislature, perhaps a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage and another tax cut for businesses wouldn’t be the most pressing issues in the session ahead.

The prospects for a more diverse candidate pool don’t look encouraging, however.